News in 2006

11th October 2006

Penalise the clubs

Kieron Dyer has called for Uefa to relegate clubs and dock national teams points if football federations fail to take significant measures to control racist supporters.

Concerns have been growing about the racist behaviour of right-wing Croatian supporters ahead of England's match in Zagreb tonight, with Uefa under pressure to take a tough stance should there be any trouble inside the stadium.

Croatian supporters have one of the worst track records for racism and Dyer, who has been an active supporter of the North-East's Show Racism The Red Card campaign, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this month, has experienced similar race hate in Europe with both club and country.

While the Newcastle United midfielder, whose hopes of a first-team return following a year of injury trouble against Bolton on Sunday have been dashed as manager Glenn Roeder has opted not to rush him back, admitted the authorities are winning the battle against racism in England, he believes a number of countries on the Continent are still stuck in the dark ages when it comes to dealing with the abuse. "It still goes on in the Premiership, but it is nothing like what it used to be," said Dyer, who believes Uefa have been too lenient with countries like Croatia in the past. "We're heading in the right direction in this country.

"Where I've heard it most is in foreign countries when I've played with the national side or in Europe with Newcastle. It's shocking and it does surprise you when you first hear it because we just don't get that at grounds in this country.

"It's not just about football, it's about society. They don't have campaigns and education programmes in schools like we have, their societies are probably more racist, but it doesn't have any place in football, no form of racism does.

"In Spain, Eastern Europe and other places, you realise how bad it still is out there. It's a reminder to us all that racism is still a problem."

While Uefa have fined football federations for the behaviour of their fans - including the English FA following racist chanting during England's 2-0 win over Turkey at Sunderland's Stadium of Light in April 2003 - Dyer feels there must be even stronger deterrents for repeat offenders like Croatia.

"If you fine a federation £100,000 what's that going to do? It hardly even registers," said Dyer.

"Uefa are finally clamping down and the only way you are going to get through to these countries is if they close grounds and drop points. If a country does not get to a major finals because they were docked points because of the racist behaviour of their supporters they'll soon get the message.

"It's the only way they will listen, hopefully they'll keep the heavy punishments coming. You only have to look at the fines and punishments dished out in Italy to see what sort of tough stances can be taken. I'd certainly back any moves by Uefa to dock a country points if their fans were racist.

"They need to be hurt for it to make a difference. The fans love their clubs and their national teams and they'll soon learn to zip it if they are watching it in a lower league or the national team can't qualify for major tournaments."

Source: The Journal